My godmother was recently diagnosed with peritoneal mesothilioma. She is 63 years old and otherwise in excellent physical condition (with the exception of the continued peritoneal ascites. She is now searching for possible surgeons to perform surgical debunking and peritoneal perfusion, however, the surgery sounds frightening.

Is there anyone who has had this surgery who could discuss the pros and cons of the surgery? Please advise. Thank you!

Last edited by moderator2; 09-11-2009 at 06:09 AM.
Reason: please do not ask members to post against the rules

She went through a 12 hour "debunking" surgery at the Cleveland Clinic where they stripped the peritoneal lining and then did an abdominal "chemo wash" where the chemo was inserted into her abdomen & it 'washed' the peritoneum--then they drained the chemo....6 months later she still has no symptoms of the mesothelioma (she was needing to be drained at least once a week prior to surgery due to the ascites build-up in her abdomen. All drains have been removed except for a colostomy which could be reversed, but her body has been through so much surgery/trauma that they are not worrying about that right now. She is weak, but happy to be alive!

Hi Mesobean.......my mom had a similar cancer called a retroperitoneal sarcoma. It was a huge and rapidly growing tumor originating at the back of the peritoneal wall. First tumor they removed was 22 inches, the 2nd was 24". When she died 5 weeks later, she looked like she was 9 months pregnant.

That was in 1972. It was considered 100% fatal within 3-6 months....she lived 4 months of hell.

I'm glad to hear they now have treatment for this horrible form of cancer as I worry everyday about it....I am now the same age she was when she got it. It is extremely rare.

Give your godmother my best and I'll put her in my prayers.

hugs............Jenny

PS...I think the surgery she went through was "debulking" as in taking out as much as they can.....they are bulky tumors. That's what they called my mom's.